Celebrated Romanian baritone Dan Iordachescu dies at 85

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Celebrated Romanian baritone Dan Iordachescu, who sang at Milan's La Scala and the Vienna State Opera during a half-century career, has died at 85, the Bucharest Opera said Monday.

The opera's artistic director, Mihai Cosma, said the singer died Sunday after a two-year illness.

Iordachescu sang in 61 countries with artists such as Placido Domingo, Monserrat Caballe and Luciano Pavarotti. He performed in more than 1,000 operas, including at the Opera de Paris and in Munich, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Los Angeles and New York.

Iordachescu made his debut in Bucharest in 1949 and his last performance was in 2005. The Los Angeles Times wrote in 1974 that "Iordachescu is a phenomenon. His voice is immense, dark in color, resonant ... indefatigable." His voice was at its best during Romania's communist era, which ended in 1989. He branched out into teaching later on.

His coffin will be placed Tuesday at the Athenaeum, Bucharest's 19th-century concert hall, and later at the National Opera for mourners to pay their respects. He will be buried Wednesday in the Bellu Cemetery in Bucharest.

Iordachescu is survived by his wife and two opera-singer daughters, Irina and Cristina.